Since 1994
By Gil G Edwards, RICP®, Founder & CEO, Termco · Licensed agent, NPN 676445 · Updated
At a glance
| Termco | Ladder | |
|---|---|---|
| Business model | Independent agency; compares term life from multiple insurers | Digital term life with policies issued by insurers it works with source (last checked Oct 2026) |
| Adjusting coverage | Depends on the carrier; options like laddering two policies can be arranged | Lets you decrease or apply for more coverage ("Laddering") source (last checked Oct 2026) |
| Term lengths | 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40-year terms, depending on carrier and age | 10 to 30 years in 5-year increments; age plus term can't exceed 70 source (last checked Oct 2026) |
| Coverage amounts | Varies by carrier and your profile | $100K to $8M in most states source (last checked Oct 2026) |
| Medical exam | Depends on carrier, age, amount and health; no-exam options when you qualify | No medical exam for coverage up to $3M; above that, a possible at-home health check source (last checked Oct 2026) |
| Cancellation | Free-look period varies by state and policy | Full refund if cancelled in the first 30 days source (last checked Oct 2026) |
When Ladder may be the better choice
- You want to manage and adjust coverage yourself online.
- You're healthy, between the ages it covers, and want a fully digital process.
- A 30-year term or less fits your needs.
When Termco may be a better fit
- You want to compare multiple carriers' guidelines for a health condition.
- You want a 35 or 40-year term, or you're outside the age-plus-term limit.
- You'd rather have a licensed agent guide the application.
Either way, the price of a given policy from a given insurer is set by that insurer and filed with regulators, so it generally doesn't depend on which licensed agency you buy through. What differs is which insurers you can compare, how your application is guided, and who you talk to. For more, see online life insurance vs. an independent agency.
Want a second opinion?
Share a few basics and a licensed Termco agent will follow up with options. No obligation, and you're welcome to compare us with anyone.
Frequently asked questions
Is Termco affiliated with Ladder?
No. Termco is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Ladder.
Can I adjust coverage with Termco?
It depends on the carrier and policy. Some families buy two policies with different terms so coverage steps down over time.
Does Ladder require an exam?
Ladder says it doesn't require a medical exam for coverage up to $3 million, and may ask for an at-home health check above that.
Competitor names are used only to identify their services for comparison. Termco is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any company named on this page. Competitor information comes from each company's own website as linked, last checked October 2026, and may have changed since. Please confirm details on their sites. Termco's products and availability vary by state, and all coverage is subject to underwriting by the issuing insurer.